Greetings in Christ!
I’m very grateful to begin my work as Priest-in-Charge at St. Hilda’s. I’ve been in and out of the parish as a visitor for many years and have seen it go through so many changes. I first came during law school in the early ‘90s when I had a girlfriend who lived in Atlanta. Father Hoger was the rector, and I got to know him and to esteem him to the point that I asked him to be my spiritual director. He assisted me in that capacity until his premature death.
Fr. Hoger had a unique vision for St. Hilda’s as a literal refuge for those in the community who had no refuge. He would house the homeless and help feed them. That work certainly helped many, but the physical plant at St. Hilda’s is small for both a working parish church and a homeless shelter. A revision of the mission was needed, and after Fr. Hoger’s passing the time came for that revision.
I also stopped by occasionally while Fr. Davis and then Fr. Roddy led the parish. I got to know both men, and watched as St. Hilda’s further clarified its mission. Later, I visited while Fr. Hall was rector. The remodeling and repair of the church building under his leadership gave new life to the congregation.
Fr. McElveen brought new energy and a deep vision for revitalizing and growing the parish, and though his time here was not nearly long enough, there has been new growth and a level of community engagement that has really put St. Hilda’s on the map.
Fr. Bader has been here since Fr. McElveen came, and his level of experience, both practical and pastoral, is a vital resource going forward. His decades of service as a priest are invaluable, and having served with him at St. Francis’ in Gainesville, I am really looking forward to working closely with him again.
St. Hilda’s has benefited from unparalleled episcopal care and oversight from Archbishop Haverland, who has tended this flock since his consecration. With his help and guidance, St. Hilda’s is confidently poised to continue its mission to Atlanta.
But the clergy alone cannot make a parish. The congregation are the heart of any parish, and St. Hilda’s certainly has a strong and loving heart! I’m very encouraged by the level of commitment and enthusiasm I have witnessed in my short time back at St. Hilda’s.
Of course, the Psalmist reminds us that “Except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it” (Ps. 127:1). All the will and all the work in the world cannot make and keep a parish, let alone a flourishing parish. That work is God’s. But God delights in allowing us to be co-workers with him in all that he does (I Cor. 3:9), if we will dispose ourselves to cooperate with grace and to be transformed by it.
I see my role as that of a helper to help you do just that: to cooperate with grace and to experience real transformation in Christ. I’m very, very glad that Fr. Bader will be here to help, and that you all have been so warmly welcoming. May God bless our labors done in union with him!
—JB+
